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Electrocardiographic abnormalities in infants and children with neurological injury

M C Rogers, K G Zakha, S K Nugent

    Critical Care Medicine
    |April 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are common in children with central nervous system injuries. These neurogenic ECG changes, including arrhythmias, warrant close monitoring in pediatric intensive care units.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric critical care medicine
    • Pediatric neurology
    • Cardiology

    Background:

    • Central nervous system (CNS) injuries in children can result from trauma or neurosurgery.
    • Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are a potential complication following neurological insults.
    • Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions often involve children with severe CNS injuries.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the frequency of ECG abnormalities in children admitted to the PICU with CNS injury.
    • To identify specific types of ECG abnormalities observed.
    • To highlight the clinical significance of neurogenic ECG changes in pediatric patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of ECG findings in 20 consecutive pediatric patients.
    • Patients admitted to the PICU with CNS injury due to trauma or neurosurgery were included.
    • ECG parameters and arrhythmias were systematically reviewed.

    Main Results:

    • 15 out of 20 children (75%) exhibited ECG abnormalities.
    • Common abnormalities included prolonged qTc interval, U waves, and notched T waves.
    • Ventricular arrhythmias were also observed in affected children.

    Conclusions:

    • Neurogenic ECG abnormalities are frequent in pediatric patients with CNS injury.
    • The observed ECG changes can be serious and require attention.
    • Routine ECG monitoring is recommended for all infants and children with neurological insults to detect potential neurogenic cardiac effects.

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